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Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the only international airport in Nepal, serving as a hub for international tourists and trekkers. With a single runway, the airport is often chaotic and crowded, particularly at the immigration hall and baggage claim areas. To navigate the airport efficiently, it is recommended to fill out landing cards and visa forms beforehand and be prepared with the necessary documents, such as a passport, arrival card, and visa fee in crisp USD bills. The airport offers currency exchange services and SIM card purchases, but travellers should be aware of potential scams and high exchange rates. Metered and prepaid taxis are available at the airport, with prices ranging from 400 to 1000 rupees, while a public bus service provides a more affordable option for just 20 rupees. For a stress-free arrival, it is advisable to arrange a private transfer from the airport to your hotel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) |
| Other names | Kathmandu Airport, Tribhuvan Airport, KTM |
| Location | Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal |
| Runways | 1 tabletop runway, 3,350 metres (10,990 ft 10 in) long with a slope of 1.2% oriented at 02/20 |
| Terminals | 2 (1 domestic, 1 international) |
| Airlines | Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Buddha Airlines, Yeti Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Thai Airways, Pakistan International Airlines |
| Facilities | Retiring lounge, eating cafeterias, currency exchange booths, baggage claim, X-ray machines, shops selling Nepali handicrafts, souvenirs, and rum, a hotel reservation counter, the Royal Silk Lounge |
| Transport | Metered and prepaid taxis, public bus service (Sajha Yatayat), private transfers |
| Visa | Available on arrival, can also be obtained from a Nepalese consulate outside of Nepal or applied for online prior to arrival |
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What You'll Learn
Navigating the chaotic international airport
Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the only true international airport in Nepal. It is also the biggest airport in the country, serving about 30 international airlines and connecting Nepal to over 40 destinations in 17 countries. The airport is a hub for two international airlines, the flag carrier Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines, as well as multiple other domestic carriers.
Despite its popularity, the airport has a reputation for being chaotic and is often listed as one of the world's worst airports. It has a single runway and is in a dilapidated state, juggling daily domestic and international flights. The airport is also located in a busy area with heavy traffic, so it is recommended to give yourself ample time to get there.
- If possible, apply for your visa before travelling. This can be done through the Nepali Department of Immigration website by completing the Electronic Visa application.
- If you haven't applied for your visa beforehand, fill out your landing cards and visa forms before joining the queue at the airport.
- Have the necessary items ready for the visa process, including a pen, your passport, US dollars, and a completed arrival card.
- After receiving your visa, proceed to the immigration counters, which have separate lines for foreigners and Nepalis.
- Before heading to baggage claim, you will need to place all your belongings through an X-ray machine. Expect long lines at baggage claim.
- There are currency exchange booths before and after the immigration counters. However, be prepared for bad exchange rates.
- If you need a local SIM card, NTC and NCELL stores are located just past the money exchange booth inside the airport.
- For transportation to your hotel, you can arrange a private transfer, use a prepaid taxi, or negotiate a price with a taxi driver outside the airport.
- If you plan to fly domestically, be prepared for potential delays due to fog, cloud cover, and heavy rain during the summer months.
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Getting a sim card
Kathmandu Airport, also known as Tribhuvan International Airport, is located approximately 3.7 miles east of Thamel. It is the first "International" airport in Nepal. The airport is small and easy to navigate, but the International Terminal can feel like a maze of bureaucracy.
If you are looking to get a sim card at the airport, you have a few options. There are two main mobile network providers in Nepal: NTC (Nepal Telecom) and NCELL. Both have stores located just after the money exchange booth inside the airport. You can buy a sim card in most formats, but they no longer offer free sim cards. Instead, they sell "tourist sim card packages" for around 600 rupees, which include a small amount of data.
If you prefer to get an eSIM, SimOptions and Airalo are recommended providers. You can order an eSIM before your trip to Nepal, ensuring that you have internet access as soon as you arrive.
Alternatively, if you want to wait until you reach the city centre, you can buy a sim card at a phone store in Kathmandu. Prepaid sim cards for tourists are cheap and widely available.
- 1 GB per day for 7 days + 60 minutes = 500 NRS (approximately $3.6 USD)
- 1 GB per day for 28 days + 100 minutes = 1,200 NRS (approximately $8.7 USD)
- 4.5 GB data for 28 days + 60 minutes = 700 NRS (approximately $5.1 USD)
- 12 GB data for 42 days + 60 minutes = 1,200 NRS (approximately $8.7 USD)
It is important to note that the sim card shops at the airport are open for every incoming international flight, from early morning until after midnight. However, some travellers have reported that the visa process and luggage issues can take up a significant amount of time, so you may want to consider this when planning your arrival and departure times.
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Getting a visa
Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the only true international airport in Nepal. It is also known as Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), named after the late Shah king.
Visas are available on arrival at the airport. However, it is recommended that you apply for your visa prior to travelling. Visit the Nepali Department of Immigration site and complete the Electronic Visa application before you depart your home country. You can also fill out the Online 'Tourist Visa' form prior to your arrival by visiting the official website of the Department of Immigration.
Once you land in Kathmandu, skip the kiosks and head directly to the payment counter. Here, you will pay for and receive your visa. The visa fee must be paid in cash (crisp, new, unmarked bills in USD are accepted) and the receipt must be kept as proof of payment.
After paying the visa fee, proceed to any line marked for foreign nationals and present your documents to an immigration agent for inspection. You will need to show your passport and visa receipt.
It is important to note that the queues for immigration can often be lengthy and chaotic. It is recommended to have the following items with you to save time and stress:
- A pen
- Your passport
- US dollars
- A completed arrival card
- Passport photos (these will be used for your trekking permits and must be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm "European sized")
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Transport options
Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the only true international airport in Nepal. It is located less than four miles from Thamel, but traffic is often heavy along Ring Road, so allow at least 30 minutes to get to the airport. The airport is also known for lengthy and chaotic immigration queues, so it is recommended to apply for a tourist visa online before you arrive.
Kathmandu Airport has a medium-sized parking lot in front of each of its two terminals. The parking lots are usually occupied by taxis of various sizes and legality. There are two prepaid taxi counters inside and outside the airport, and you can also negotiate a price with a taxi driver outside. A metered taxi to central Kathmandu will cost 400-600 rupees, while a standard prepaid taxi starts at 550 rupees and could cost up to 1000 rupees to get to Thamel. If you want to avoid the hassle of finding transportation, you can arrange for a private transfer to your hotel, although this is the most expensive option. Your driver will be waiting for you at baggage claim with a sign.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can take the Sajha Yatayat public bus service, which connects the airport's international terminal to the city centre and costs about 20 rupees. All public transport, including taxis, accept cash only.
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Nearby accommodation
Kathmandu Airport, also known as Tribhuvan International Airport, is located in the Old Town of Kathmandu, Nepal. There are many accommodation options near the airport, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury hotels. Here is a list of some of the nearby accommodations:
Regal Airport Hotel
The Regal Airport Hotel is a 5-minute drive from Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath. The hotel offers a free shuttle service and an elevator/lift. It is located in Sinamangal, Kathmandu.
Hotel Black Diamond
Hotel Black Diamond is a centrally located hotel in Kathmandu, within a 5-minute drive of Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath. The hotel offers a terrace, private parking, a restaurant, and a bar.
Airport Himalaya Boutique Hotel
The Airport Himalaya Boutique Hotel is centrally located in Kathmandu, within a 5-minute drive of Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath.
Hotel Malati
Hotel Malati is another centrally located hotel in Kathmandu, just a 5-minute drive from Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath.
The Dwarika's Hotel
The Dwarika's Hotel is a luxurious option, centrally located in Kathmandu and a short drive from Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath.
Hotel Mirage Regency
Hotel Mirage Regency is located one mile from Pashupatinath and offers a fitness centre, free private parking, a garden, and a shared lounge. The restaurant has excellent food options and the staff are friendly and exceptional.
Hotel Meridian Suite
Hotel Meridian Suite is located just 1640 feet from Tribhuvan International Airport and operates a 24-hour front desk to assist guests at all hours.
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel located near the airport, offering elegant rooms and suites with modern amenities.
Kathmandu Guest House
Kathmandu Guest House is a budget-friendly option located near the airport, offering simple rooms with basic amenities.
These are just a few examples of the many accommodation options available near Kathmandu Airport. Whether you are looking for a luxurious stay or a simple and comfortable night's rest, there is something to suit your needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the biggest airport in Nepal and the only true international airport in the country. It is known to be chaotic and is regularly listed as one of the world's worst airports. The airport is often crowded and has a dilapidated feel to it as it juggles daily domestic and international flights from a single runway.
It is recommended that you apply for your visa before travelling and fill out your landing cards and visa forms in advance to save time at the airport. You should also make sure you have a pen, your passport, US dollars, and passport photos with you.
There are meter and prepaid taxis available at the airport 24 hours a day. A metered taxi will cost between 400 and 600 rupees to get to central Kathmandu, and a standard prepaid taxi starts at 550 rupees. You can also arrange a private transfer through your hotel, but this will be more expensive.
